Future Shock Blog

Minor League Update: Games of August 4

It seems like eons since the Marlins acquired Ceda in return for Kevin Gregg just prior to the 2008 winter meetings, but after missing all of the 2009 season recovering from shoulder surgery, the 275-pound right is back with a vengeance, as is hit mid-to-upper 90s heat. In 16 appearances for the Suns, the 23-year-old Dominican has recording 32 strikeouts over 21 1/3 innings while allowing just 13 hits, and he should compete for a big league job next spring.

When doing an overall prospect ranking, the last spot is usually reserved for a personal favorite. Five months ago, that favorite was Espinosa, who clocked in at position No. 101 on my rankings. Now, he's making me look good by rebounded from a slow start this year to lift his averages to .262/.334/.464. While he'll likely never hit for a high average, he's a legitimate 20/20 candidate who can just as importantly legitimately stay at shortstop.

A first-round pick last June, nobody saw Franklin turning into a power hitter, but the 170 pound Franklin has done just that, leading the Midwest League with 19 home runs, placing second in total bases and sitting with an overall line of .286/.349/.517 after last night's outburst. He's a steady defender with above-average speed as well, and one of the most impressive players in what has been a star-studded Midwest League.

With a 3.42 ERA and 120 strikeouts in just 102 2/3 innings, Scarpetta's season-long numbers are impressive enough, but it's the run he's on lately that's really getting notice. A big, beefy right-hander with a good fastball and even better curve, Scarpetta has been one of the league's best pitchers since July, putting up a 1.22 ERA in seven starts with 53 strikeouts in 37 innings and just 23 hits allowed. The Brewers are desperate for pitching, and while Scarpetta can't provide immediate assistance, it's good to at least know that help could be on the way.

Bobby Borchering, 3B, Diamondbacks (Low-A South Bend): 3-for-5, 2B, HR (10), 2 R, 3 RBI, K. Hottest streak of season; 12-for-20 in last four games with 20 total bases; SLG up 31 point in four days with overall line of .274/.336/.413.

Chris Carter, 1B, Athletics (Triple-A Sacramento): 3-for-5, 2B, HR (25), R, 3 RBI, K. Batting .358/.447/.667 since the All-Star break; next spring should be interesting in Oakland when it comes to the first base and designated hitter jobs.

Dan Cortes, RHP, Mariners (Double-A West Tenn): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. Once highly-regarded arm struggled as a starter but found new lease on life in bullpen; 12 Ks over 7.2 relief innings with just four hits allowed.

T.J. House, LHP, Indians (High-A Kinston): 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K. Over-slot 2008 draftee has been on a roll with one run and six hits allowed over last 19 innings; sinker/slider/change combo with all three pitches average or a tick above.

Jason Kipnis, 2B, Indians (Double-A Akron): 2-for-4, 3B, HR (7), R, RBI. Officially entering super-hot mode by going 9-for-18 with double, two triples and home run in last five games and batting .337/.413/.554 overall at Double-A; passing Chisenhall on Indians prospect lists?

Zach Lutz, 3B, Mets (Double-A Binghamton): 2-for-4, 2 HR (15), 2 R, 2 RBI. On the kind of power streak rarely seen at any level; 13-for-30 with seven home runs in last seven games and .297/.417/.645 overall in 42 Eastern League games.

J.D. Martinez, OF, Astros (Double-A Corpus Christi): 3-for-3, 2B, 3 RBI, BB. Sally League monster starting to prove he might be the real deal; 5-for-5 with three walks in last two games raises 20-game Texas League OPS over 130 points to .296/.390/.394.

Cameron Maybin, OF, Marlins (Triple-A New Orleans): 3-for-5, 2 R, RBI. 6-for-10 in last pair of games and .338/.408/.456 in 18 games; getting yet another look late in the season?

KG: Batting average ceiling notwithstanding, do you see Espinosa's BB rate translating to the majors? Closer to 2009 BB rate or 2010 BB rate? Any theories on the split between this year and last year? Thanks!

When people say "glove whiz" about Eduardo Escobar, does that mean "major league ready in the minors defensively", "Top 10-15 defensive shortstops in the majors eventually", or some combination of both?